"The Young Pope" is a television drama series that premiered in 2016.
It was created and directed by Paolo Sorrentino, an Italian filmmaker. The series is a co-production between Italy, France, Spain, and the United States. The show consists of ten episodes and was produced by Wildside, Haut et Court TV, Mediapro, and Sky Atlantic.
The series stars Jude Law as Lenny Belardo, who becomes Pope Pius XIII, the youngest and first American pope in history. The plot revolves around the complex and controversial decisions made by Pope Pius XIII as he takes charge of the Vatican and faces various challenges within the Catholic Church. The show explores themes of power, faith, and the internal politics of the Church.
"The Young Pope" received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for its unique visual style, Jude Law's performance, and the thought-provoking themes. However, some viewers found the narrative to be polarizing and challenging to follow. The series was followed by a sequel titled "The New Pope," which continues the story with Pope Pius XIII facing new challenges and introduces John Malkovich as Pope John Paul III.